by C. M. Steele
“Where’s my dog?” I ask.
“At the ranch. I rushed over here before the shit hits the fan.”
“You know that’s a really gross expression,” Georgie ponders. And that’s when I notice that Sean hasn’t taken his eyes away from her since he walked in.
“Hello, beautiful. I’m Sean and you are?” Wow, laying it on thick. I’ve never seen him in action, but I doubt it’s gonna work from the look on her face.
She doesn’t take his extended hand. Instead, she sighs, “Tired and hungry.”
“Then I’ll get you what you need, beautiful.”
“Do you not know any other adjectives?” I think I like Darcy’s sister.
“I’ll call you whatever you like, little girl as soon as you tell me your name.”
“It’s Georgiana, but we call her Georgie,” Darcy says, ignoring her sister’s glare.
“That’s cute. You’re definitely a Georgie.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing, sweet thing. I need to speak with this fool here. Don’t go anywhere cause trust me…I’ll find you.”
“Whatever.” As soon as Sean turns from her I don’t miss the covered mouth of shock and excitement she’s feeling. She’s gonna give him shit for coming on too strong, but she doesn’t seem to mind it.
“Come on, let’s talk.” I pull Darcy to me, tip her chin upward with my thumb, and kiss her gently “Tell me you’re not going anywhere.”
“I’m right where I want to be.” She’s a tough one too, but the second my hands are on her that attitude seems to dissolve.
I lean in and whisper into her ear, “That’s fucking good because you see how good I can hunt.” She shivers, her hips roll forward and graze my cock. I’m starting something I can’t finish at the moment. “Later,” I promise before forcing myself to pull away.
I lead Sean into my office that I hardly ever use. “Okay. What’s going on and how are you going to handle it?” I ask him.
“First. I’ll be taking some quick photos of you two because it’s clear as fucking day that he embellished the story to suit his needs. I’m going to put our lawyers out for defamation and then I’m going to carry that smart mouth fiery woman out of this house and take her back home…to my home.”
“Smart. I find it works really, really well.” He nods as if making a mental note.
“By the way, I’m going to take Darcy into town for a nice dinner. How about we all go together and make a show of it for the press?”
“Great. Sounds really fucking great to me.” He rubs his hands together enthusiastically.
“Let’s go tell them so Darcy and I can get ready.”
“Cool. I need to go check on my woman anyway.” I crack up laughing as we walk out to them. When I look for Darcy, I see everyone staring at me.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, stopping in my tracks.
“Try not being all sexy in front of the women will you?” Darcy barks out, marching toward me. She’s so fucking cute I want to carry her back to our bedroom right now.
“Well, baby, I’m about to take you out to dinner and wanted to know if they wanted to tag along, but if you want to ditch them that’s cool too.” They all break out into protest, making me laugh harder. Damn I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard fucking ever.
“See. That damn laugh is even sexy,” Darcy huffs.
“Sorry, baby. I’ll go back to brooding. Now let’s go get changed because you’re not going out in that.”
“What do I need to wear?”
“It’s nothing formal, so whatever you want that won’t get a motherfucker killed.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, let me take a five-minute shower and I’ll be ready.” I’d rather she didn’t, but I get it. I need one too.
“We’ll be back in a few. Behave,” I warn them. But the two girls just roll their eyes, and the guys are trained on them like they’ll disappear if they look away.
It’s going to be an interesting evening.
As soon as I follow Darcy into the bedroom, she’s on me, her mouth slamming on mine. I devour her lips and then pull back panting. “I’m not complaining, but baby, what brought that on?”
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s your sexy laugh or the fact that I want to rip my own sisters’ eyes and tongues out in jealousy. You came out in your grey joggers. Do you have any idea what that means?” She waves her hand across my junk to emphasize her meaning. All I get is she’s referencing my cock, but that bad boy belongs to her.
“Nope, but you got me, Darcy. There’s no one else. So keep those claws tucked away… except when we’re in here. Now get in the shower or I’m going to fuck you rough and hard because you’re not the only one feeling possessive.”
Smartly, she pulls away and grabs her bag, heading straight into the bathroom. I’m going to pop in the other shower after I get some clothes. It takes us a little more than ten minutes to get out and ready, but we both walk into the living room together.
“Took you long enough, I’m hungry,” Georgie complains.
“I’ve got to go, Lydia. Be a good girl,” Marlowe tells her, tapping her nose. He has to be at least fifteen years older than her, but he’s staring at her like she’s his everything.
“Yes, sheriff.” Wow. He tamed the wildcat quickly. He walks out, looking like someone stole his prize.
“Are we ready?” I say, clapping my hands together.
“Yes,” they all say.
Sean leads the two girls out and I take Darcy’s hand while locking the front door. “I’m not going to run away.”
“I know, but it can be dangerous up here. I don’t want anything happening to you.”
“I’m not that clumsy.” Giving her the benefit of the doubt, I let go of her hand and she starts down the five steps, stumbling on that last one. “Shut it. I’m fine,” Darcy hisses. I swoop her up and carry her to the truck.
“I’m gonna spank you for that later. I can’t have the momma of my babies getting hurt because she’s too damn prideful. Have you ever had your ears checked?”
“They check them every time I go for a checkup.”
I shake my head and correct my statement. “I mean a real checkup on just your ears. There could be a problem making you lose your balance.” Her brows knit together, staring at me like I have two heads.
“No, I haven’t,” she says, looking up at me with pretty lips that beg to be kissed.
“Well we’ll take care of that soon. Now put your seatbelt on before I spank your ass in front of everyone,” I say, leaning in for a brief taste.
We I pull back, she says breathily, “You forget I’m a model. I don’t think I’ll mind showing off.”
“You will when I finish and fuck you on the hood,” I say, whispering it in her ear. I close her door and walk around the back of the truck to adjust my cock and then hop into the driver’s seat. “Y’all good?”
“Yep. Let’s go, Bennett.”
I pull out and drive down the main road out of the forest which takes twenty minutes, and we stop at Nicolo’s Pizzeria
“Wow, it smells good,” Lydia says, gripping onto Darcy’s arm.
“I’m always up for pizza,” I say.
“Me too,” Sean adds, holding the door open for us.
“I could use the calories,” Darcy adds.
I lean in and whisper, “Yes, gather all your strength because we’re just getting started.”
The night is less hectic than I expect it to be. Everyone’s staying in my cabin for the night even though I’d prefer that they stayed at the hotel but fuck it. I catch a few cameras flashing throughout the evening and know that the way Darcy’s touching me there’s no doubt that the stupid pussy was exaggerating about me stealing Darcy.
“Come on. Time to go back to the cabin.”
“Do you have a television?”
“Yes, you didn’t see it when you were snooping around the place.”
“Hey, you weren’t supposed to tell on me.”
“It’s okay, Lydia. I’ll make sure to tell Sheriff Marlowe that we’ve got a really dangerous criminal on our hands,” I say, opening the door for Darcy to climb in.
“You wouldn’t,” she gasps.
“Well, he does seem to be the only one to shut that mouth of yours,” Darcy adds from the front seat.
“This is the last time I come to rescue you.” She crosses her arms and huffs. The sheriff’s got his hands full.
“Dude, stop laying it on so thick this isn’t pizza. Keep those cheesy bits to yourself,” Georgie tells Sean. I missed whatever he said to her, but from the look on his face it wasn’t just a line to him. He’s got it bad for her.
We drive up, mostly in silence while Sean texts away. As soon as we get out of the truck, he says, “Bennett, I’m out of here. I’m gonna stay at the hotel tonight and then fly back to Texas as soon as I get the all-clear from the lawyer in the morning.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep. I know when I’m not wanted. Take it easy. Are you still coming back on schedule?”
“Yes. I still have a small ranch to run,” I remind him.
“Okay. Bye ladies, I’m assuming I’ll be seeing you soon, Darcy.”
“See ya, Sean.” I look at Georgie and she knows she fucked up. I’m not gonna say shit because that’s not my business, but as I pass her up, I do add, “He’s a good guy, ya know.” I walk into the house and pull Darcy in for a hug. “Did you have a nice night?”
“Yes. Thank you for our first real date.”
“You’re welcome, but it was really all my pleasure.”
“So…I’ve been meaning to ask. Do I get to read your new book before it releases?” Sean mentioned it over dinner, but I stopped all talk of it because I hate talking about myself.
“Oh I see. You’re only sleeping with me to get to the goods, lady.” I pretend to be indignant, shaking my head and scowling at my woman.
“I just consider it a perk.”
“Fine. I suppose, but you have to wait until they leave.”
“Wait…it’s done already?” Her eyes shoot wide open, and she lets out a gasp.
“Yes. Something about coming here made it fall straight onto the keyboard. I wrote it in record time and I’m sure it’s gonna need a ton of edits and revisions, but I think it’s my best book yet.”
“Maybe it’s because you knew I was coming, and you would be completely distracted by my pussy that you couldn’t concentrate,” she says, sassily arching her brow and jutting her hip out with her hand resting on it.
“Shit, well then, I’m never releasing another book.”
Her mouth falls open and she pokes a finger into my chest. “You watch your mouth. Don’t go saying blasphemous things like that.” Damn she’s so damn adorable. I’ll have to write a book especially for her every year. It might be all I have time for.
Chapter Seven
Darcy
Two weeks later…
I can’t believe I’ve just moved down to Texas with Bennett. It’s been the most insane, passionate two weeks of my life. He’s been my crush for so long it’s nuts that he would feel the same about me.
My sisters didn’t give me a hard time because they have their own men who are practically beating down their doors, demanding a happily ever after. I’m not getting into their business as long as they’re happy. I’m just trying to navigate this whole thing between Bennett and me. He’s intelligent and handsome, crazy about me and he has the cutest dog.
“Come here, Beast.” The border collie comes running to my side. “Let’s go for a walk while your daddy is working.” He owns a small cattle ranch that he spends most of the year running with staff. He likes to have hands on everything and that’s how he keeps that sexy physique of his.
We come to a halt at the stables when I see Bennett talking to a woman in a pair of tight jeans and even tighter top. Her long, red hair is about to get ripped out if I don’t get a good handle on my emotions.
I’m getting heated until Bennett spots Beast and me. He wags his finger, summoning me and the second I’m in grabbing distance he pulls me to his side.
“Darcy, sweetheart. I want you to meet our vet, Dr. Mary.” I finally see the face of the woman and although she’s beautiful, she’s at least in her fifties, so I lower my hackles a bit. Not entirely of course because any female around Bennett makes me jealous.
“This is the girl I saw in the papers. You’re more beautiful in person,” she says with a very warm and genuine smile.
“Thank you,” I say, feeling like a bitch because she’s being so nice.
“It’s great to finally see Bennett with a girl. So don’t let him get out of marrying you now.”
“No…it’s not like we’re…”
“She’s not going anywhere. I learned to rope some cattle, I’ll sure as hell make sure I keep Darcy tied to me.” He bends down and kisses my lips. “Forever.” He kisses me again and I melt into him, feeling his length thickening against my belly.
“Well, I’ve got to get on checking this girl over here. She’s coming along to having that foal any day now,” she says, attempting to get away from our tender moment. I blush, realizing that we were starting to maul each other.
“Do you want to join us, Darcy?” Bennett asks me, taking my hand and bringing it to his lips.
My face must look pretty goofy because I’m so happy. “Sure. I’ve never seen a horse up close, especially a pregnant one.” After we finished our week in Colorado, he took me back to Chicago and we gathered my things. We only arrived in Texas late yesterday. As fast as this is moving, neither of us want to play that long distance game, so I jumped headfirst into this relationship. He’s even better than I fantasized.
“You’re in for a treat then. They’re a true beauty,” the vet says. Bennett holds me close as we watch Dr. Mary work. The horse gets a little agitated, so my darling man pulls me back. “This big girl is ready to have her baby soon.”
“How long do you think, Doc?” Bennett asks her, rubbing my belly and making me think about carrying his baby.
“I’d say in the next day or two.” She stands and takes off her gloves, tossing them into her bag. “I’ll be back to check on her tomorrow unless you call me sooner.”
“Okay. Great. Thanks.”
Bennett shakes her hand then she reaches for mine and says, “My pleasure. And it’s truly wonderful to meet you, Darcy.”
“Thank you, Dr. Mary.”
“See ya both later.” She walks off with her bag to her truck.
“So do you want to talk about that jealousy I saw?”
“Nope.” The blush stains my face, but I refuse to own up to it.
“Well let’s get this out of the way. There’s no one else for me, but you baby. Not before and certainly not after. I’ve waited a lifetime for you. Now I want to live a lifetime only with you and the family we create.” He kisses me hard and then pulls back. “Let’s give the girl some privacy. It’s time to show you around.”
We spend the rest of the afternoon around the ranch, showing me how many of the things work and what goes into a day of cattle ranching. I’m slightly afraid of the size of these things. I knew they would be massive, but I don’t know why I pictured them like calves in my head.
Once we arrive back at the house, we start on dinner and then nestle down to watch a movie. Not one of his movies yet. Although several of his books have been optioned. However they’re still working out the kinks in the projects. Mostly, it’s who is going to be playing his title character. I hope it gets worked out soon because I can’t wait to see it on the big screen.
****
I’ve been here a month and I have to say I love it and I love Bennett more. My heart does flips the second he walks through the door even before I actually see him. It’s as if I’ve become in tune with his presence. This has been a magical time for me.
We’re going out dancing tonight. Something both of us haven’t done before. I bought a dress
in town yesterday that fits perfectly. It wraps tightly around my chest and waist and flares out to just above my knees. Bennett hasn’t seen it on me yet. So when I reach the bottom step he growls. “Oh hell. Wow. Darcy, you look…” He bites his bottom lip and runs his hands through his thick dark hair. “Sexy.”
“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself.” He’s in a pair of blue jeans that all cowboys around these parts wear: the wonderful butt-hugging kind. Surprisingly, he’s got on a blue dress shirt that matches my dress. “Hey, did you peek at my outfit?”
“No, but the lady at the store recommended it,” he says with a blush. Oh that’s what he was doing when he went back inside for a minute. He said he’d forgotten his wallet on the counter. Sneaky bastard.
“Before we go. I need to do something. It’s been on my mind since the day we met and well, I have to say it. I love you, Darcy. You’re everything a man could want in life and I’m grateful that you let me carry you away.”
“I love you too, Bennett.” I bite my lip when I see him drop to one knee. My heart’s hammering erratically in my chest.
“Will you marry me?” The look in his eyes is full of fear, but I’m not sure why. The man carried me like he owned me from the first moment I met him and I stopped putting up a fight the second he kissed me. He has me completely.
“Yes, yes. Of course.” He slides the beautiful three stoned band on my finger and then stands. It’s ridiculously huge and yet, it’s perfect. “Wow, it’s gorgeous.”
“Nothing will ever be as gorgeous as you.” He tilts his head, cups my jaw, and lightly tastes my lips. The lightest feathery touch makes my heart swoon. As he pulls back, I cling to his shirt and trace my tongue over his jaw before reaching his mouth again. This time we both take the kiss deeper. His hand threaded through my hair while the other brings me flush to his body. “I love you, Darcy, but if we don’t stop, we won’t make it to the bar.”
“Okay.” I pull away with a pout. He’s right. Besides, I’m sure he wants to make sure every man in there knows I’m taken. He locks up the house and helps me into his pickup truck. The drive to the bar isn’t far from the ranch which is good because I’m feeling anxious. The warmth of the Texas sun is starting to fade as it sets, so I bring my shawl with me. It’s still not quite summer yet and it’s a breezy night.
